Insurance Blog
How ERIE Handles Claims Away from Home
Insurance claims usually aren’t a top priority for travelers heading on a road trip.
A specialized team of ERIE claims professionals make certain they remain out of mind.
ERIE’s Zone Outside of ERIE Territory (OET) team works to ensure that customers traveling outside ERIE’s territory receive the same seamless, responsive claims service they would if the loss occurred at home.
From deer damage to vandalism to RV claims and arranging replacement rentals (where included in the policy), the OET team handles the challenges that can arise from a loss far from home. While ERIE offers insurance in 12 states and the District of Columbia, the OET team, with specific knowledge on topics including varying state regulations, repair networks and rentals, is specially equipped to handle claims occurring elsewhere.
And they do it a lot. Each year, the OET team handles about 10,000 out-of-territory claims.
“We understand that people are driving away from home for many reasons, whether they are on vacation, traveling for work or maybe it’s part of their daily commute,” said Jessica Knapp, the OET team supervisor. “Our job is ensuring there is no disruption in the claims service we provide when they’re away.”
By designating a team for out-of-territory claims, ERIE can reduce the number of personnel involved in a claim and allow an ERIE adjuster to serve as the single point of contact to customers. The OET team also speeds up claims processing, enables improved consistency in claims handling standards and helps lessen the need for use of independent adjusters.
“Having a dedicated team gives us a greater ability to carry out our promise of service regardless of where our customers are physically located,” Jessica said.
Serving customers across the country also means navigating different states’ regulatory environments. The team maintains adjuster licenses in all 17 states outside ERIE's footprint where licensing is required.
Kristina, who is licensed in all states with requirements, said helping people when they’re most in need is her favorite part of her role as adjuster.
“When something happens and you’re away from home, your first thought is often going to be that you’re in a strange place and you’re all alone,” she said. “Well, you’re not. We’re always here, able and willing to help you.”
That means being there for customers when they need us, especially when they’re away from home. OET adjusters offer extended availability from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. And no matter the time of day, customers can report a claim 24/7 by calling ERIE at (800) 367-3743, reporting online or using our mobile app. Customers can also contact their ERIE agent during regular business hours.
ERIE’s photo appraisal also helps streamline the claims process for accidents away from home. By allowing customers to take and submit photos of damage, it can eliminate the need for an estimate from an auto body shop or a claims adjuster to inspect the vehicle. Photo appraisal isn’t just for out-of-territory claims; it’s offered for most auto accidents, no matter where they occur.
Providing customers with a consistent experience—no matter where an accident occurs—is a central goal of ERIE’s claims operation. And while every claim is different, ERIE’s customers still expect a certain standard away from home. The OET team takes that charge to heart.
“We try to communicate to customers that no matter where they are, we’ll be able to help,” Kristina said. “Our goal is to make sure our customers have fewer worries when they’re away from home, because we’ll still be able to help them.”
Take ERIE with You
No matter where you go, ERIE offers protection that accompanies you along the way. To experience the difference in service for yourself, contact a local ERIE agent to get started.
Posted on 23 August 2026 | 5:00 pm
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The Hidden Risk of 'We've Always Done it that Way'
Every business has that one process no one questions.
Maybe it’s the filing cabinet that’s been the “system” for 20 years. The machine that’s held together by duct tape and luck. The employee who knows exactly how everything works but has never written any of it down.
After all, it’s worked this long, why change it?
The reality is that some of the biggest operational risks aren’t dramatic or obvious. They develop over time through outdated routines, aging equipment, informal training and manual processes that slowly become part of the workplace. What once made sense for a growing business can eventually become the very thing holding it back.
One of the first places to look is your equipment. Whether it’s manufacturing machinery, office technology or specialized tools, aging equipment doesn’t have to fail completely to create problems. Reduced efficiency, unexpected downtime and higher repair costs can chip away at productivity long before a total breakdown occurs. Regular maintenance and strategic upgrades help keep operations moving while reducing costly interruptions.
Business processes deserve the same attention.
Many businesses rely heavily on institutional knowledge—information that’s passed from one employee to another through experience rather than documentation. It might seem efficient, but it also creates vulnerabilities. If a key employee retires, changes jobs or is unexpectedly unavailable, important knowledge can disappear. Documented procedures and consistent employee training can help create continuity while improving quality and reducing mistakes.
Recordkeeping is another area that’s easy to overlook. Paper files, handwritten notes and spreadsheets stored on a single computer might seem sufficient until disaster strikes. Fires, floods, cyberattacks and even a hardware failure can make critical business information inaccessible. Digital backups and organized record management are essential parts of any business continuity plan.
The same principle applies to verbal agreements and unclear responsibilities. Longtime employees often know who’s responsible for what, but assumptions don’t always survive periods of growth or turnover. Clearly defined roles, written procedures and documented expectations reduce confusion while helping teams work more efficiently.
Then there’s the everyday manual tasks that quietly consume valuable time. Entering data multiple times, tracking inventory by hand or relying on sticky notes and memory might have worked years ago, but automation tools may help streamline repetitive work while reducing the potential for human error.
Security should also be part of every operational review. Unsecured inventory, sensitive customer information, or inadequate access controls can expose a business to unnecessary financial and legal risks. Often, small improvements to physical or digital security can make a difference.
Businesses that regularly evaluate their operations can be better positioned to improve productivity, support employee safety and deliver a better customer experience.
Insurance also plays an important role. As your company grows, your business insurance should, too. Whether you’re buying new equipment, hiring additional workers or expanding your services, it’s worth reviewing your insurance coverage to make sure it still reflects your current operations.
The right insurance coverage cannot prevent every disruption. But it could help protect what you’ve built.
Talk with a local ERIE agent to review your business insurance.
Posted on 10 August 2026 | 5:00 pm
When Should I Call My Insurance Agent?
An insurance agent isn’t just someone who can sell you a policy.
Whether you have a question about your coverage, need to file a claim or change your policy, your agent can provide insurance solutions to a seemingly countless number of issues you might run into. And the conversations you have with your agent can help provide protection from the unknown and greater peace of mind.
Regular conversations with your agent should take place to review your coverage, make them aware of any new major purchases that need protection and to determine ways to possibly lower risk or save on your premiums.
Read on to learn more about when you would benefit from a call to your agent.
What Can an Insurance Agent Do?
Your insurance agent is a licensed individual working in a complex landscape of rules, numbers and conditions who can help you navigate the often-baffling world of insurance.
Agents routinely handle various insurance tasks. These often include:
- Help with claims. One of the primary reasons to contact an insurance agent is to file a claim after an incident. An agent can also help navigate the claims process, understand what documents are needed and get updates on the status of an ongoing claim.
- Policy changes. Individuals often reach out to their agents when they need to update their policy. Changes may include modifying coverage in response to significant life events such as buying a new home, purchasing a new vehicle, getting married or having a child.
- Questions about coverage. Policyholders frequently have questions about what their insurance covers, premium costs and payment processing. Your agent can also periodically review your coverage with you to ensure it remains adequate.
- Insurance advice. Agents can be particularly useful for advice on how to best protect assets, whether it's choosing the right policy type or selecting coverage amounts.
- Risk management and prevention advice. Your agent can be a great resource for guidance on how to lower risks and better manage premiums. Think of things like installing a home security system or taking a defensive driving course.
When Should You Call an Agent?
While there’s no wrong time to call you agent, certain life events demand that you contact them to ensure you have the proper insurance. While many people don’t think to reach out to their agent when these events occur, alerting them can help prevent coverage gaps and save a lot of hassle in the future. Here are just a few of the times that can warrant a call:
- Renovating your home
- Buying expensive jewelry or collectibles
- Adding a teenage driver
- Starting a home-based business
- Getting married or divorced
To learn more of the life events that merit a call to your agent, read 9 Life Changes to Tell Your Insurance Agent About.
The Best Agents Are Just a Call Away
In a world of virtual conveniences, it’s reassuring to know that trained professionals are ready to help you. They’re there for both planning for the future and in times of crisis.
At ERIE, we’ve been working side-by-side with the best agents in the business to bring our customers superior insurance choices since 1925. Today, millions of customers trust our agents to help them with their insurance needs.
Find a local ERIE agent today, and we’ll help you find the coverage you need.Posted on 4 August 2026 | 5:00 pm
